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IN MEMORIAM. 






^\^h}^ P* 3)ach^an, |)i\ 



Boj// February 6t//, A. D. iSj'j. 
Died December /jf/i, A. D. tSSo. 



BBSBB 



EMORIAL ADDRESS 

DELIVERED BY 

Rev. JAMES P. WILSON. D. D.. 



*' PASTOR OF THE SOUTH PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NEWARK, N. J. 



Nineteen years and eight days ago the hfeless form of 
John P. Jacksox, Esq., was borne out of that door 
to the veliicle waiting to convey him to his last resting- 
place, — a man of wonderful activities and Christian 
energy, greatly missed and beloved and deeply la- 
mented. His place is not yet filled, even to this day. 
' Fourteen years after that, October isth, 1.ST5, an- 
other beautiful life went out in this home— a lovely 
and most beloved woman. We never shall forget 
seeing her body carried out by her five stalwart, manly 
sons, bearing their mother across that threshold to lay 
her beside the husband of her youth. The best possi- 
ble testimony to the parental fidelity, the conscientious 
training and the cheerful and consistent example of 
the united head of this household is seen hi the fact that 
of the large family sorrowing there— and they aie all 
here, except this one whohes before us, "first fruits,'' 
who has gone to the reunion in Heaven— every one of 



6 THE MEMORIAL ADDRESS 

them is a member of the Church of Christ without a 
single exception. No better testimony could by any 
possibility be given to the pure life, the correct example, 
the rehgious training and the tender instruction of those 
who thus so nobly fulfilled life's most solemn responsi- 
bility. And now we are here at the funeral of one of 
the family who will likewise be carried out for burial. 
The "first fruits," as I said a moment ago, the first 
one gone to form that certain reunion which will take 
place before many years ; when they all shall be gath- 
ered, an entire circle, we doubt not. by God's grace will 
be complete. 

John P. Jackson, Jr., who lies before us, was born 
February Oth, IS 37. His early school days were passed 
in this city, under competent instruction. In 1856 he 
graduated at Princeton College, in a class in which 
were some very distinguished men, among whom, 
with others, it is enough for me only to mention the 
name of the Rev. Dr. Duryea, now of Boston. Mr. 
Jackson took the first honor of his class ; he then 
went to the universities of Yale and Harvard, and 
there pursued the study of law, and returned to this 
city to engage in the practice of his profession. It is 
not necessary to pursue at any great length this j^art 
of his earthly record, for his life is before us all. You 
have seen him going in and out and have marked his 
integrity and his bright example in all those beautiful 
qualities that adorn oui' common human nature. Who 
can ever forget the genial grasp of his hand, the kin- 



OF JOHN P. JACKSON, JR. 7 

dling eye, the frank, gentle deportment that always 
characterized him; high or low, black or white made 
no difference, he had a warm shake of the hand for 
every one. It is difficult to conceive of a death in this 
city under any circumstances that could make such an 
impression as the death of our beloved friend lying 
before us. It is just as if a rifle shot had taken him 
from the head of his pew at South Park Church, so 
sudden and unlooked-for was his departure,— and yet 
though so sudden, perfectly safe, as we have reason to 
believe. Some things can be repaired, lost crowns and 
sceptres may be regained, the flush of youth may be 
renewed, the pallid countenance resume the hue of 
health, and vigor once more return to the emaciated 
frame— even a tarnished reputation may be made good 
by a hfe of consecrated energy and devotion— but who 
can replace the treasures rent from our bleeding, 
broken hearts by the ruthless hand of the great de- 
stroyer, Death ? What equivalent from this hfe can 
make amends for such a deprivation '. What deeds of 
heroic self-denial, ministries of mercy, capabihties of 
sympathy, and of wilhng self-denial known only to 
the Omniscient, aspirations, influences potent for 
blessings, pleadings for the true, achievements, poten- 
tialities, active, exhausting, self-relying, and yet so 
greatly uphfting to us all— all these and much more lie 
now within that casket soon to be closed and com- 
mitted to the earth. But who of all this company here 
beUeves that this is the end of it ? Is hfe a mere dumb 



8 THE MEMORIAL ADDRESS 

show? Is there nothing beyond the cold stream of 
death, and when this brief, fitful earthly existence is 
over is there nothing further ? Who beHeves this ? 

We are under the law. That law is the law of our 
Maker, wiitten in the very nature of man himself. 
From our relation to God, we are bound to love and 
trust and serve and obey Him. To neglect this is re- 
volt and must involve misery. The perfections of 
Deity, the capacity of our souls, and our absolute de- 
pendence make this fact certain. It is not a mere 
arbitrary enactment, and the revealed moral law of 
our Sovereign is only, after aU, a repubHcation of this 
law of nature originally in man's soul. This is what 
gives death his sting and imparts to him his power. 
The ancients knew nothing about death. Their poets and 
orators and philosophers had no remedy and did not 
know what to say about death ; they reared altars to 
every virtue and to every vice, but never yet has there 
been found an altar reared to death. They felt that they 
could not propitiate death; all they could say was, that 
it was inevitable, and nothing more. The Stoics had 
only some faint, obscure hints of an immortal life 
hereafter, and the Platonists' ideas are but little more 
than a poetic fancy after all ; and Aristotle, the wisest 
and most subtle of all the ancient philosphers, admitted 
that "of all the terrible things in this world, death was 
the most terrible." 

Now, if death was such a terrible thing to the heathen, 
what must it be to men in a Christian land who know 



OF JOHN P. JACKSON, JR. 9 

something of God in his perfections, and feel them- 
selves under law conscious violators, and therefore are 
obnoxious to the penalty t It is through Christ alone 
we now have an idea of immortality, — but immortality 
alone confers no boon since that consciousness of being 
sinners against God which every man has makes 
death a terror to us all. Through the Lord Jesus 
Christ, hf e and immortality have been brought to light, 
and we now have positive proof of it in his resurrec- 
tion from the grave. No man proved the natural im- 
mortality of the human soul : the analogies of nature 
and the presumptions of reason are strong, but they 
are not conclusive. But we have now authentic proof 
in the fact that Jesus Christ went down into the dark- 
ness of the grave and came back with the wreath of 
victory on his marble brow, and gives immortal Hfe to 
all those who follow Him. He took away all the un- 
certainty of the future world, and the Christian now, 
in bidding farewell to the long-cherished associations 
of this human hfe, and to the things that attract and 
enslave our hearts here, has a glorious home-bringing 
when he dies. He goes to his Father's house and at 
once enters on the realization of all his highest concep- 
tions. 

What takes place immediately on dissolution we 
know not. We confess that sometimes the most intense 
curiosity is awakened to get a glimpse of the opening 
glories of that second hfe beyond the stars, but the 
communication would ]3i'obably be as incomprehensible 



10 THE MEMORIAL ADDRESS 

to US as it is unprofitable. Suppose we could tell the 
cateipillar that it would be a butterfly, and rise to an- 
other existence entirely different from that which it 
previously had, and sport in the air and glow and ght- 
ter in the sunbeam of the heavens. Or suppose some 
one could have told you and me, before we came into 
this world, what it was to be, with all its new and 
amazing scenes, its science and art, its hopes, its ex- 
periences of joy and grief, its progressive life, its epi- 
sodes of tenderness, its affections in their endless vari- 
ety and beauty and their infinite hope, we never could 
have beheved it. Just so I believe it wiU be when we 
cross the river of death. It gives us a most intense 
curiosity to know what takes place after death. We 
shall be conscious, no doubt, of vitality more than we 
dream of here, even such that the word life will seem 
never before to have had any meaning. But we want 
more — not immortality only, which of itself is no 
boon — but we wAwi forgiveness. We are conscious of 
sin. Nature can testify to many divine attributes — to 
God's power and wisdom and goodness. The evidence 
of these are around us everywhere in creation. 

But she has not one word about forgiveness. Her 
laws, so far as we can know, run in a contrary direc 
tion. Crime perpetrated can never be set light. A 
man may die in agonies of remorse for past transgres- 
sions, but he cannot rectify one which he has once 
committed. Tears of contrition are unavailing. The 
sigli of l)roken-liearted penitence breathed in secret is 



OF JOHN P. JACKSON, JR. U 

of no avail. Nature knows of no mercy for an of- 
fender. She presses her finger to her Hps and main- 
tains perfect silence. The Lord Jesus Christ tells us 
we are forgiven. But we want even more than this. 
We must be loved and taken to the bosom of infinite 
paternal tenderness. Jesus gives me that precious 
promise, and assures me that I am united to Him 
by a tie than which there can be nothing stronger. 
Not merely an identity of interest and sympathy, but 
a part of the Redeemer's own body, and if there is a 
stronger union I know not what it is. Such a union 
is that between us and Christ, and as Augustine said, 
"where the head is, there all the members must be," 
and where the Lord Jesus is, thither we shall follow 
and we shall all be there. Oh ! then, say nothing to me 
about mere morality, about man fulfilling all the duties 
of common life around him, in its ever-varied relations, 
and on this ground resting a hope of heaven. You 
are beginning at the wrong end. Have your fellow- 
men claims that you cannot and dare not ignore, and 
has Almighty God no claim '( — He who made you and 
redeemed you, and whose daily mercies and blessings 
are strewn around your path in every step of your going- 
through life ^ All these moral duties must be done, 
and not leave the other and higher undone. We insist 
upon it, that the same love of excellences which 
a])pears to manifest itself in every form of creative 
goodness shall be just as evident hi the relations which 
we sustain to Him who demands from us, on every 



12 THE :\IEMORIAL ADDRESS 

ground, the highest love of which the human heai't is 
capable. Is there any extravagance in demanding for 
God a regard as definite, as vivid in its personal con- 
sciousness, as marked in all its natural e\adences. as any 
human affection can call forth { Is gratitude due to one's 
f eUow-men in return for favors received at their hands, 
and shall our infinite debt to our Maker remain unac- 
knovs^ledged and unpaid, and no warm emotion fill 
and overflow our hearts 'i 

But let us test this claim of love to supreme excel- 
lence and see how it stands. It will always be at- 
tracted to the character that seems to possess most of 
it. Personal affection for another will always desire 
the happiness of the object of such affection. It will 
study the wishes of the one beloved and comply with 
them when absent, or even when they are no longer 
living. "If ye love me, keep my commandments,'" 
True love ever demands responsive return, and cannot 
rest and be calm if unloved. It pants for God's love, 
and it must have some communion with the object of 
affection. We love the society of those whom we love. 
These are some tests, and there have been in all ages 
men who have said that these were their feelings 
toward the Author of their being — the Supi'eme ob- 
ject of their worship. Let these few tests be applied 
to that morality which some plead for their acceptance 
with the final Judge, and the utter insufficiency will 
appear. 

We come, then, to-day and stand beside this coffin 



OF JOHN P. JACKSON, Jli. 13 

and here see the ti'iumi:)h of Christian faith. To the 
excellence of his pubhc character abundant testimony 
has akeady been given. Of what he was in private 
hfe I shall say nothing : T\ithin these sacred precincts 
strangers are not allowed to enter. Xone may intrude 
upon the privacy of domestic joys and sorrows. I can 
speak only from the knowledge of others. But it was 
a Christian hfe and Christian household : — a hfe of 
prayer and systematic effort and devotion in doing- 
good to the childi^en God had given him. Of what he 
was in the church, in the Sunday-school, and in the 
prayer-meeting I am fully competent to speak. I could 
not but remark, in conversation with a friend two or 
three months ago, that it seemed to me John P. Jackson 
was ripening for another world. I could not but notice 
an increasing depth of tone in his Christian life and a 
manful gentleness and candor and purity in all his 
social intercourse. I knew him personally, and I think 
I knew him intimately, and I never heard him speak 
ill of a human being, and could not but remark, ■\\ith 
many others, the uniform kindness with which he 
spoke of his fellow-men, and the generous construction 
which he was ever ready to jmt upon their opinions and 
upon all their actions. 

But he has passed away and gone to a brighter and 
better world. That eye will kindle on earth no more 
with affection, that voice no more be heard, nor the 
warm grasp of his hand be felt. The sun, the soft 
breeze, the "fierce autumnal rain"' will fall aUke un- 



14 THE MEMORIAL ADDRESS 

heeded upon him. He is done with earth, has cast 
away its heavy chain. Let me here read a brief ex- 
tract from a writing found among his papers after his 
death. I read it because of its interest as eminently 
descriptive of his own life, the latter part especially : 

'' Then comes the great practical difficulty, how^ to 
live. We are seduced by desires for wealth as well as 
by the heresies of unbehef . The 'flesh-pots of Egypt ' 
are powerful, as well as the seductions of culture. Now 
we must be diligent, industrious, ingenious, but Ave 
must also be contented, happy if possible, cheerful, 
not too ambitious or proud, least of all envious ; make 
the most of our advantages, but not envy or repine. 
Aim at gentle and loving dispositions, and to foster the 
same in our children and friends. Try to help others 
in every incidental way. Study the laws of j^hysical 
health and of business success. But most and princi- 
pally keep the soul so in tune with the spirit of its 
Divine Creator that it will early betake itself to Him at 
all times in life, and readily find its place in His bosom 
at the close of an earthly existence."' 

I have recited but a portion of the manuscript. A 
part of the paper had a date, but the extract I have 
just read had none. I think his life was founded on 
that model, and could a human life be directed by bet- 
ter principles ? I have no doubt it was his own ideal, 
and nobly did he carry it out. Mr. Jackson was in the 
forty-fourth year of his age. The active men of Newark 



OF JOHN P. JACKSON, JR. 15 

are just about that age, and who can say " it may not 
be his turn next." It is a most significant warning. 
The human voice amounts to nothing when God speaks 
as he does in this providence to-day. You will pass 
out from these sad scenes into the world. The vanities 
of life, its distractions, cares and necessary pursuits 
will lead you astray, but you have yet to come to the 
hour when the curtains will be drawn around your bed, 
and your friends speak in whispers as they draw near, 
and you will know from the anxious countenance of 
your physician that your end is nigh. Then, oh! then, 
in that dread crisis, when your spirit is about to plume 
its wings for an everlasting flight, nothing but religion 
will bear up your fainting soul, nothing but to be able 
to say, ' ' My Redeemer is mine and I am His, " ' ' I know 
whom I have believed," " They call, I follow to a land 
unknown: I trust in Thee and know in whom I trust." 
Oh, my friends, will you pardon me if I express to- 
day a hope that you will not longer postpone this great 
work of loving Christ as your Saviour, and then in life's 
last and darkest hour will come the breaking day, the 
light of conscious reconciliation, the peace, the love of 
God, will dawn on the confiding soul, and continue to 
shine upon it forever. And to God the Father, Son and 
Holy Ghost be all the praise and glory forever. Amen. 

The Rev, Dr. Stearns offered the following prayer : 

Loixl, Thou hast boon our dwelling ])lacc in all gcuonitious. 
Before the mountains were brouglit forth, or ever Thou didst 



16 THE MEMORIAL ADDRESS 

form the earth or the world, from everlasting to everlasting, 
Thou art God. Thou turnest man from destruction and say- 
est, ^'Eeturn, ye children of men/'' and Thou art teaching us 
not only from Thy holy word, but by the admonitions of Thy 
providence, that we have no continuing city here, and cannot 
tell what a day may Ijring forth; but we know that if the 
Lord is on our side then we are prepared to live or to die, to 
suifer or to rejoice, as may seem best in Thy wise and holy eye. 
Unto Thee, Lord our God, we come at this sorrowful mo- 
ment to ask of Thee Thy 'consolation; unto Thee, the Father 
of otir spirits, Avho, as a father pitieth his children, doth pity 
them that fear Him; unto Thee, blessed Saviour, who didst 
come to comfort them that mourn; unto Thee, Sjiirit of all 
truth and all consolation, l)eseeching Theetottphold and guide 
and cheer us, and to sanctify to tis the sting through which 
w^e are called to j)ass. -0 Lord, Thou art reminding us that 
we are born to die, that in the midst of life we are in death, 
that we know not what a day may bring fortli. Give us 
grace, we pray Thee, so as to ])rolit by this sign, this admo- 
nition of Thy holy providence, that we shall have occasion to 
say as we look l)ack, " It is good for us that God our Father 
has chastened us. We come to Tliee to commend to Thee 
these mourners, with whose sorrow no stranger intermeddleth, 
but which Thou canst understand and Thou canst so sanctify 
that it shall work out a far more exceeding and eternal meas- 
ure of glory. Thou, who art the father of the fatherless 
and the God of the widow, draw near, we pray Thee, at this 
sorrowful JiDur to her fnuii whom Thou hast taken away by 
this sudden stroke the husband of her youth, upon whom she 
has leaned for support, who has cheered her from day to day by 
his love and by his cheerfulness; he whom she leaned updu as 
her support for all future years of life. Lord, our (iod, 
Thou knowest the sorrow that jiervades that heart, and all we 
can do is to ccmimend her to Thee and the word of Tiiy grace, 
Avhicli is al)le to build her u]) and give her inheritance among 



OF JOHX P. JACKSON, JR. 17 

all those that are sanctified. Take these bereaved children 
under Thy care, shield them from all the perils of their or- 
phanage and be Thon more than ever a father to them since 
Thou hast taken their earthly father, as we trust, to Thyself. 
We thank Thee, O Lord our God, for all he was permitted to 
do for them while he was here upou the earth. AVe thank Thee 
for the principles that have been instilled in their young and 
tender lives; let them be })ermancnt, and let them strengthen 
as they go on upon the journey of life and into life's tempta- 
tions, and may they all be spared to do worthy things here on 
earth, to exert a good influence, and then to go and join him 
who has gone before and form an unbroken family in those 
mansions which Clirist has gone to jDrepare. We commend to 
Thee, Father of all mercies, that mother who knows not yet 
the bereavement she has been called upon to bear ; l:)e with 
her wherever she is, preserve her from all the perils to which 
her distant journey is exposed, and bring her safely home to 
this sorrowing daughter and family in Thine own good time. 
And do Thou, Lord, bless every member of this numerous 
family circle, brothers, sisters and friends, and give them 
the consolation which the world cannot give or take away. 
Thou hast not stricken them for a long time. Thou hast per- 
mitted them to share each other's joys and sorrows from day 
to day, and we thank Thee for the past and pray that Thou 
wilt more than make uj) to them this loss by the rich com- 
munications of Thy spirit. Thou who was with the father 
and mother in days long gone by, remembej-, we pray Thee, 
their prayers; remember the counsels they left behind them 
to their children and their children's cliiklren, and in all the 
generations that succeed we pray tliat tliere may be a i)urpose 
to serve the God of their fatliers. We pray, Father in 
Heaven, that Thou A\'ilt impress this lesson Thou art giving 
us on all gathered together here; on all those who knew and 
loved our departed friend; upon those Avho were associated 
with him in his j)rofession, upon those who were accustomed 



18 THE MEMORIAL ADDRESS 

to mingle in society witli liim. who Avill miss his warm liand- 
shake, and his cordial words and tones; we pray that Thou 
wilt so enable them to protit by this lesson Thou art giving 
them tliat it shall tend to their greater usefulness while they 
continue here in the Avorld, for their more rapid adyancement 
in every worthy attainment and for their everlasting salvation 
in Thy heavenly kingdom. We pray Thee, Lord, that 
Thou wilt sanctify this affliction to tlie church of which our 
beloved friend has been so long an honored and efficient 
member. We thank Thee for all he has l)een able to do there 
in the building up of the church in the faith and power of 
the Gospel of Christ, in strengthening the hands of its pastor 
and encouraging his heart. And now we pray Thee that 
Thou will comfort this bereaved family with those consola- 
tions Avhich the world cannot give nor take away, and may 
this admonition of Thy holy ])rovidence be made an instru- 
ment of Thy hands in bringing all themem])crs of the church 
of Christ into closer fellowship and Cliristian love, and in 
bringing into the fold of Jesus any who are standing without, 
without hope and without God, in tlie Avorld. Lord, our 
God, Thou art speaking to us all. Thou art saying to us all, 
wlio knew and loved oui- de]);irtc(l friend. '' I)e ye also ready, 
for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." 
fjord, Ave cannot tell how soon our call may "come. We 
Avould stand with our loins girdc'(l iibont us and witli our 
lights burning and we ourselves as those who wait for the 
coming of the Lord, that when he conu'th and knocketli 
we may open immediately. Oh, U't not death take any 
of us l)y surprise. Imt .mav it lind all of us ready 
and may we be pre])ared to say, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy 
servant dcjiart in jjcace according to Thy word, for mine eyes 
have seen Thy salvation.'' Go witli us, we ]ti'ay Thee, as we 
go to deposit the lifeless form of oni- dej^ai'ted friend in the 
place apjjointed for all; guide idl our meditations, help us to 
lay to heart the lessons Thou hast given us in Thy holy jirovi- 



OF JOHN P. JACKSON, JR. lU 

dence, and when we return to the active duties of life, may it 
be with new self-consecration to Thee, and to live as l)ecomes 
disciples of Christ and children of the Heavenly Father, dis- 
charging every duty of this life and growing in grace and in 
the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, and preparing for 
that rest which remains for the i)eople of God. Hear us, 
Lord, and answer us, for Jesus' sake, and Thine be all the 
praise for ever and ever. Amen. 

The hymn, '' Brief life is here our portion," was then 
sung, after which the Eev. Dr. Wilson pronounced the 
benediction. The remains were conveyed to Mount 
Pleasant Cemetery for interment. 



THE FOLLOWING WAS FOUND AMONG THE PAPERS OF THE 
LATE MR. JACKSON, SHORTLY AFTER HIS DEATH. 



October 2d, 1880. 

General concession — that beliefs or mere creeds are mod- 
ified — some shaking off of old statements — dei^arture of some 
orthodox denominations from the ancient standards of West- 
minster Catechism, although Presbyterians certainly, in 
theory, maintain the old theology. 

Yet along with these changes, the same hopes, fears and 
necessities exist. Men cannot get along still without some 
religion; tliey cannot endure a mere blank ; the mere 
culture or intellectual appreciation of the best things in life 
is not enough, certainly not enough for the great masses of 
liumanity, who cannot expect mucii culture, and among the 
most cultured we know it is awfully unsatisfactory — and tlie 
gre^it element of .s-ow/ is common to all men and it has its 
demands to make and relationship to sustain, and it even still 
is either the uncomfortable monitor, constantly roughening the 
would-be smooth action of our other forces, or it is the gentle, 
l)ut strong and ungovcruablc sj)irit wliicli bears us safely 
through all adversity and trial aiul keeps us at home with 
ourselves and with God, 



PAPER BY JOHN P. JACKSON, JR. 21 

As practical men is it not best to conclude that it is wisest 
for ns to occupy our minds with soul cultivation rather than 
brooding over contested points of theology. About certain 
facts no Christian church can differ: (1) That Christ died; 
(2) the magnitude of the sacrifice shows both the existence 
of enormous. guilt and sin and also the grandeur and com- 
prehensiveness of the result. Having got so far, is it not the 
next proposition that we not only ought to give an acceptance 
of all the teachings of this Christ, involving the study of 
His word and the following of His example, and this will 
serve, if anything will, to keep our spirits (souls) in unison 
with His — working as He worked — and prepared for an easy 
transition from this world to the next. 

This sort of soul-culture is so simple that it is adapted to 
all mankind, universal in its application. Its results are far 
more cheering and satisfactory than the agnostic system of 
culture, and better pre])ares one for every-day life; but does 
it not also inij^ly a simplicity of belief instead of a dreary 
mystification of meta2)hysics — does it not ignore such dis- 
putes as ('oncern predestination or any other hindrances to 
universal salvation? Does it not banish too severe introspec- 
tion and constant criticising of motives by the broad and gen- 
eral assumption that, for better or worse, in our trying to live 
like Christ and become His followers because we believe in 
Him and don't believe in ourselves, and therefore arc not 
concerned with making ourselves perfect. This introspection, 
however, besides being uncertain and depressing, seems some- 
times to proceed on the idea that we can make ourselves chaste 
and perfect thereby! a great fallacy. Very little introspec- 
tion is taught in the Bible — it is ratlier — looking upwards. 
2 



22 PAPER BY JOHN P. JACKSON, JR. 

Then comes the great practical difficulty, how to live. We 
are seduced by desires for wealth, as well as by the heresies of 
infidelity. T\\c flesh-pots of EgyjH are powerful, as well as 
the seduction of culture. Now, we must be diligent, indus- 
trious, ingenious, but we must also be contented, happy if 
possible, cheerful, and not too ambitious or proud, least of all 
envious. Make the most of our advantages, but not envy or 
repine. Aim at gentle and loving dispositions and to foster 
the same in our children and friends. Try to help others in 
every incidental way. Study the laws of physical health and 
business success; but most and principally keep the soul so 
in tune with the spirit of its divine Creator that it will easily 
betake itself to Him at all times in life and readily find its 
place in His bosom at the close of our earthly existence. 



MEMORIAL TRIBUTES. 



[Daily Advertiser, December 22c?.] 



m MEMORIAM. 

JOHN P. JACKSON, ENTERED INTO IlEST DECEMBER 17, 1880. 

We know not why — ofttimes the reaper dread 
His rightful harvest passes by, and leaves 
Untouched the ripened grain and golden sheaves, 
While at his summons beauty bows the head, 
And youth and manhood's prime are captive led. 

We know not why — we only know that one 
Who yesterday among us went and came, 
Bearing in honor still an honored name, 
A strong man among men, his race hath run, 
And God hath Avillcd it so— His will be done. 

We know not why — we see but darkly here; 
And we shall mourn and miss the kindly face, 
The stalwart form replete with manly grace, 
The hearty greeting and the words of cheer. 
And long shall hold his name and memory dear. 

We knoAV not why — hereafter we shall know; 
Then peace and rest; for while glad bells at morn 
Ring in the day on which the Christ was born, 
And from afar our tears and prayers must flow, 
His ravished eyes. Oh, wondrous depth of grace. 
Shall see a risen Saviour face to face. 

T. 13. 



24: MEMORIAL TRIBUTES. 



[Daili/ Advertiser, December 20^/;.] 
The Eev. Dr. Wilson, of the South Park Presbyterian 
Church, yesterday morning preached a sermon appropriate to 
the death of Jotik P. Jacksox, Jk., from Job xxvii., 18. In 
the afternoon, at a meeting of the Missionary Union of the 
church, David 0. Dodd, Jr., presiding, the following reso- 
lutions, offered by John Y. Foster, and seconded by A. L. 
Bassett and George AY. Howell, were adopted : 

The officers and teachers of the Sunday-schools of the 
South Park Presbyterian Church, having learned with pro- 
found sorrow of the sudden decease of their fellow-laborer, 
John P. Jacksox, Jk., desire to put upon record, in this for- 
mal expression, their cordial appreciation of his character and 
work as a Christian, and their testimony to his usefulness and 
zeal in all departments of religious effort. Earnest in his 
convictions, conscientious in liis performance of duty, loyal 
to every essential moral principle, obedient alike to the stim- 
ulus and to the restraint of high motive, doing with excep- 
tional cheerfulness and alacrity whatever was demanded of 
him in the spliere of Christian activity, his example consti- 
tuted a potential force in this church and community, and 
while we mourn his unexpected departure, we rejoice that in 
his life and the recollection of its manliness, its uprightness 
and its many Christ-like fruits, we have a compensation for 
this present loss wiiicli is al once an inspiration and a 
solace. Cut down in the bloom of manhood and the maturity 
of its powers, he speaks to us from his coffin to-day: " Be ye 
also ready, Avith loins girt — doing the Lord's work faithfully 
and untiringly — for in sucli an hour as you tliink not he may 
call you also." 



MEMORIAL TRIBUTES. 25 

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the South Park 
Presbyterian Church, held this 20th day of December, 1880, 
the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously 
adopted: 

Wheeeas, Having learned with unfeigned sorrow of the 
sudden death of our esteemed associate and friend, the late 
John p. Jacksojst, Jk., for many years a member of this 
Board; and 

Whereas, In the all-wise dispensation of our Heavenly 
Father, by which he was so suddenly removed from earthly 
friends and associates; and while we sorrow not as those with- 
out hope, but believing '^ that not even a sparrow falls to 
the ground without our Heavenly Father"; and as the dispen- 
sation now seems, it is made light only by faith in an unseen 
world, and through a helpful, loving Saviour; therefore be it 

Resolved, That while we bow submissively to the will of 
Divine Providence in this affliction, we would desire to place 
on record, on the minutes of this Board, our liigh apprecia- 
tion of his sterling qualities of heart and life, his genial 
temperament, his active interest in all things pertaining to the 
prosperity of this church, his sincere desire for the well-being 
of all, and his Christian character and life. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be published in 
the daily newspapers of this city, and also presented to his 
bereaved family. 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 



On the morning of Saturday, December 18th, 1880, 
Judge Depue amiounced to the Court the death of 
John P. Jackson, Jr. He said : 

The Court lias seen in the paper this morning the 
announcement of the death of one of the members of tlie 
Bar, Mr. John P. Jackson, Jr.. and the Court deems 
it its duty, on its own motion, at this, the first session 
after that sad event, to take some notice of the death of 
Mr. Jackson. It is a duty tliat, to me iiersonally, is 
painful. He was one of my earliest acquaiutances after I 
came to Newark, and from tliat time till the close of his 
life I had experienced from him the greatest kindness. 
Our associations had ])een of fhe pleasantest and most 
agreeal)le characU'r. The Courl will olhcially announce 
the death of Mr. Jackson, and the adjournment of the 
Court out of respect to his memory, and at the request of 
the members of the Bar, will announce that a meeting of 
the Bar will l)e held on some day early next week for the 
purpose of enabling its members to give a i)roper 
expression of their feelings on this subject. I may add, 
Avith a view to the business of the Court during the 
coming week, that when the date of the funeral shall l)e 
aniKiiinccd (here will be no session of (lie C-ourt: on that, 
da}'. The members of the liar will have an opi)ortnnity 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR "27 

to hold a raeetiug- in this Court-room on that morning, 

and after that meeting the Court will be adjourned for 

the da}^ The Clerk will please enter the order of the 
Court on the minutes. 

In pursuance of the call of Judge Depue, the 
Essex County Bar met at the Court-house m the 
City of Newark on the morning of Tuesday, the 
i^lst day of December. 

It was announced by Mr. WiUiam A. Righter 
that the Clerk had received a letter from Judge 
Depue, stating that it was impossible for him to be 
present and therefore he woukl move that Hon. 
Amzi Dodd be requested to take the chair. 

The motion was approved, and Judge Dodd having 
taken the chair, Mr. George S. Duryee was appointed 
secretary of the meeting. 

On motion of Mr. Charles A. Borcherling, that 
the Chair appoint a committee to draw up suitable 
resolutions commemorative of the death of John P. 
Jackson, Jr., the following gentlemen were appointed 
as such committee : Mr. J. Henry Stone, Mr. 
Cortlandt Parker, Mr. Thomas N. Mc Carter, Mr. 
William A. Righter, and Mr. Caleb S. Titsworth. 

The Chairman then said : 

Gentlemen or the I^ak — I greatly regret the absenee 
of Judge Depue, who was expected to preside on this 
occasion. It is unnecessary for mc to state the object 
which has convened us this morning — the very unexpected 
and lamentable death of our friend, Mr. Jackson, the 



28 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

circumstances of which have already been made public, 
and which are well understood by all the members of 
the Bar. We are met now to take such suitable action 
in regard to this lamentable event as may be dictated by 
the feelings and judgment of the members of the Bar, 
and we are ready now, and will be glad, to hear any 
expression which members of this meeting may be disposed 
to make in regard to it. 

Mr. Henry Young said : 

Mr. Chairman — ]S]"early five years have clasped since 
our brotherhood assembled thus, in solemn meeting, to 
mourn the loss of the lamented Perry. He had just entered 
upon a career of successful professional life, and was stricken 
down in the midst of his work. Again, to-day, we lament 
the loss of another gallant knight, who, with liis armor on, 
has fallen honorably in the front ranks of the. battle. 

To us the death of John P. Jackson brings a sense of 
personal loss. He was my intimate friend, and I fear that 
the tribute of affection and personal worth which I would 
utter may fail, through grief, to find proper expression. 

But of whom was he not the faithful and just friend? 
His noble heart and generous disposition included all who 
were worthy of a good man's friendship. Hence, the great 
public shock. Our expression of sorrow is not — cannot be 
— merely conventional. It is the offering of affectionate 
love and kind remembrance, in winch this large community 
regretfully joins. 

Mr. Chairman — We are confronted once more with the 
mystery of our existence. This man, who seemed physically 
so strong, and intellectually gave promise of such continued 
future usefulness, has suddenly and unexpectedly fallen 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 29 

out of our ranks. If, on the opening day of this term of 
Court, at which Mr. Jackson was present, a question had 
suggested itself as to which one of us all here should, in 
the customary ordering of events, be first called to answer 
the summons of the King of Terrors, no one's thought 
would have dwelt for an instant upon our friend's death as 
probable in the near future. His handsome face and mag- 
nificent physique suggested at once the best health and 
greatest vitality. And so accustomed are we to associate in 
our thoughts the promise of future usefulness with its 
development — so great is the world's need of good, intelli- 
gent young men — that the loss of one such always seems 
inexplicable, mysterious — almost unjust. Why it is that 
this man, before others — this strong man — should have 
fallen, we cannot tell. His death furnishes another 
mystery of life. We can only say that this result 
expresses the inscrutable will of a wise and kind Sujireme 
Ruler. If it shall arrest our heedless thought, and direct 
it to a future life, however sorrowful it may be, it will 
not be entirely in vain to us. 

Mr. Jackson's life was short, but eminently successful 
and complete. If, without eifort at analysis, we judge of 
it only by its results, it seems very noble and harmonious. 

In his early school-life he was the pupil of the late 
Nathan Hedges, than whom a better instructor in those 
studies now regarded as preliminary probably never lived. 
Thence he went, in preparation for college, to the Phillips 
Academy, a school of national repute, then under the wise 
control of the late Dr. Samuel H. Taylor. Having com- 
pleted his course of studies there, he entered Princeton 
College, and gradu.ated from that institution in 1856 at 
the head of his class. His class in college had in it 
several young men then and since distinguished for 



30 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

studious liiibits and fine scholarsliip. He was easily first, 
and came forth from the curricuhim full of i^hysieal 
energy and mental vigor, realizing the desirable result of 
a sound mind in a sound body, and furnishing in this 
respect a marked contrast to most first-honor men. 

It is worthy of remark that his father, years before, 
had gained the same honorable distinction in the same 
institution of learning. 

I remember well the Commencement Exercises at 
Princeton in 1859. I had just been admitted into the 
Sophomore class, and was entering upon my college life. 
Me. Jackson had been selected to deliver at that time 
the master's oration, which, as the Chairman well knows, 
is delivered by a member of each class three years after 
graduation. This selection is made by the Faculty of the 
college, and is determined by a regard to oratorical gifts 
as well as good scholarshij). The choice was, hence, a 
mark of distinction, and Mr. Jackson's oration more 
than justified this appointment. I recollect distinctly 
— as do others hero, no doubt — how his vigorous and 
thoughtful eloquence and fine manly appearance impressed 
the great and critical audience that was assembled on that 
occasion. 

After graduation, he entered the law office of Joseph P. 
Bradley, now a Justice of the Su])reme Court of the 
United States, then engagci] in the i)ractice of his 
profession in this city. During his clerkshi]) here, he 
attended lectures at, anil graduated from, the Dane Law 
School, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, an institution from 
Avliich have come forth some of the best lawyers the 
country has produced. I remember a remark made by 
the late Emory Washburn, the eminent author of tlie 
treatises on Easements and Keal Pro])erty, and then a 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 



?A 



Professor in that institution, that the Prineolon hoys were 
•iniono- the best students win. came to the school ; and I 
remember, also, that he frequently spoke to me -for he 
was a man of ^mial manners and easy approach -m tlie 
hic^hest terms of our frien<l Jackson. How well he 
deserved this praise is showu by the fact thal^ while m 
the Law School he secured the lirst prize which was 
offered for the best legal essay. The competihon was 
Tolnntarv, l)ut many entered the lists. 

Thus "equipped for his profession, he entered maniully 
upon its pursuits. He brought to it a, mind imbued 
with high professional sentiment, love for learnmg, and 
recognition of integrity as essential to advancement In 
these respects his mind was the natural product of Ins 
hirth and education, for few men have had better home 
advantages than he. 

Early in his professional life he hecame the partner o 
our friend ex-Senator Stone, and entered upon a successful 

practice. , 

He was for several years Counsel for Ihe City ot Newark; 
he was twiee elected to the House ot Assen.l.ly of t us 
State by one of the m.,st hUelligeul eoustitHeuc.es ot the 
State, and during his seeond tern, reeeived the honorary 
nomination for Speaker of the House, his party being 
then in the minority. He was also, for numy years, 
eonnsel in this eounty for one of the largest corporations 
of this State, and but one year ago was .appomtcd by the 
GoTemor as one of a Oomn.issiou to draft a general tax 
law for the State, a task which required the highest lega 
attainments. He has fdled other and honorable professional 
positions, and in all has earnestly, faithfully and honestly 
discharged his duties. 
. But no mere recognitimi ..f his high merits as a 



32 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

lawyer compasses his character. Of him it may be said 
more truly than of most men that all those qualities 
which go to make a marked man were combined in his 
constitution. His character Avas symmetrical. He filled 
well all relations of life. As a citizen he was public- 
spirited and intelligent, always ready to lend his time and 
voice and talent to the discussion and solution of public 
questions. 

In his intercourse with his fellow-men he was essentially 
a courteous geptleman ; in this respect, too, none named 
him but to praise him. The poor, the obscure, the 
humble remember to-day his kindly greeting and hearty 
recognition. In social circles he was pre-eminent. He 
was the life of such gatherings, and the joyousness of his 
disposition and the exuberance of his sjiirits, combined 
with marked civility and politeness, made him always a 
welcome guest and warm-hearted host. How kind he was 
to his friends, how thoughtful of tlieir wishes and 
happiness, how anticipative of their pleasure, none but 
those who knew him intimately can tell. He was a pure- 
minded man. I have known him intimately for years, 
and never during my intercourse with him have I known 
him to utter a thought that could not be freely expressed 
in the most sensitive circle. 

Thus learned and successful in his profession, of great 
public spirit and intelligence, courteous and polite to all, 
amiable in manner and disposition to a marked degree, our 
friend possessed, also, that other grace of mind and living 
which is essential to a perfect character. He was an 
earnest, unassuming Christian gentleman. At church, at 
the Sunday-school, at the weekly religious meetings, he 
was a constant attendant ; and not an attendant merely — 
he was a worker, and content to be a worker in the 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. '^o 

ranks. His faith was simple and nnquestioning. He had 
realized in his life the trnth of Von Hnmboldt's saying: 
"Into the Kingdom of God, as into the Kingdom of 
Natnre, they who enter mnst become as little children.'' 

Bnt, Mr, Chairman, there are other more sacred 
relations of life where it is not permitted to ns here to 
follow onr dead friend. We cannot appropriately enter 
that desolate home, always heretofore bright and full of 
sunshine, where his wife and children mourn his untimely 
death. ISTor can we speak here with propriety of that 
united band of noble brothers and sisters who lament his 
loss. Their grief, intense as it must be, is sacred. 

Our friend Jackson has passed away gently and cpiietly 
into that other world where " the wicked cease from 
troul)ling, and the weary are at rest." We have no fear 
for him. ''All is well with him." We confidently 
helieve that his spirit has ascended to a higher sphere of 
usefulness, and is still active and intelligent. 

We Avill do well if we emulate the remarkahle virtues, 
and follow in the footsteps of this young, brave, 
successful man, who has marked out for us all a life of 
true Christian living. 

Mr. Charles F. Hill then said : 

Mr. Chaikman — It is not for me to attempt to 
improve on the eloquent words, and well-deserved words, 
of the gentleman who has just taken his seat, but I claim 
the privilege of paying to the memory of our departed 
friend a personal tribute. While it is an immeasurable 
loss to our profession — to the legal circle of this county — 
1 feel myself that it is a personal loss to me. It is well 
known to the majority of the gentlemen present that I 
came into this city not long ago, an entire stranger, not 



34 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

having the acquaintance of a single member of the 
profession, and not having acquaintance among the 
laymen of this cit}^ even. I can never forget my 
relations with our departed friend. He was one of the 
first of the legal jirofession to whom I was introduced, 
and it has been a matter of gratitude with me during all 
these years as I have often rememl^ered and thought of 
the efforts which were made by this Christian gentleman 
to make me feel that the gentlemen of the profession in 
Essex County would give me welcome to whatever position 
I could prove myself worthy of. I remember to-day with 
a great deal of gratitude, and with the deepest feeling, 
his efforts to make me feel that I was at home, that I 
was among friends ; his frequent calls at my office when I 
was a stranger among a strange people, struggling for a 
position among you ; his cheery words of encouragement ; 
his manifestations of kindly friendship ; his greeting upon 
the streets and in the public assemblies and wherever 1 
met him, manifesting that degree of hospitality and of 
friendship which I have rarely ever met elsewhere ; and I 
feel to-day that his death is a personal loss to me. And 
not only have I recognized him as a friend, but, as has 
been suggested by Mr. Young, I have been compelled to 
recognize him on all occasions in my associations with 
him as a true Christian man, as a man Avhose Christian 
character was rounded out and complete and l)eautiful ; in 
all of my professional relations with him I have found 
that he carried his Christian priiu'i])les, his high moral 
integrity, into his professional life — into his business life. 
I have found him always eminently a peacemaker ; I have 
found him always to he an exain})l(' for me wherever I 
have met him, and I can only say in closing that I mourn 
the loss of Mr. Jackson as a personal friend as well as a 
loss from our profession. 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 40 

Mr. Edward M. Colie then said : 

Mr. Chaikman axd Fellow-members of the Bar — 
It is, perhaps, more fitting that only tliosc who, by 
reason of years, had a fuller acquaintance with Mr. 
Jackso^! than I had should speak on this occasion, but 
my heart will not permit mo to remain silent. He was 
one of the gentlemen Avith whom I spent the student days 
of my life, before entering upon the practice of my 
profession ; from him in part I gathered my first 
impression of legal ethics and received the encouragement 
and such helpful suggestions as Averc necessary to render 
pleasant and comparatively easy the work before me. Such 
was his vigor of life that when the news of his death 
came to me it impressed me with such a sense of 
improbability and such a sense of mystery that it seemed 
as if it must be the conjuring of some hideous dream : it 
was too sad to be a reality, even in this world of life and 
death. I never felt death brought so near to me as in 
this instance ; so much of mystery seemed to enshroud it 
— so much of that which nobody can solve. The ancients, 
in the face of just such an appalling mystery as this, 
solved it by saying, "Whom the gods love die early," and 
the furthest we can reach to-day seems to be but little 
beyond that same solution, translating that language into 
Christian phrase, and saying, instead of "whom the gods 
love die early," this, "He giveth His beloved sleep." It is 
an overwhelming mystery, and it crowds upon me in s\K-b 
a way as to make my heart ache, not only for those who 
are grieving here, but for those inner circles to whom 
allusion has been so touchingly made. 

I want to add what my heart forces me to say. I iuiew 
Mr. Jackson in relations somewhat different from those 



36 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

in which most of you knew him. I knew him in the 
office — in that joart of professional life where, if anywhere, 
characteristics and jieculiarities are shown that are not read 
of all men ; where a man is seen in those relations by 
which are developed qualities that detract from high 
character ; and I want to say here that during those three 
years of student life, I cannot recall a single instance in 
which my high appreciation of Mr. Jackson's character, 
morally and in every other respect, was in one degree 
blemished, but, on the contrary — and not in that negative 
form do I want to put it — his life in that office, amid 
the perplexities and annoyances that will come to a busy 
practitioner, was to me a guide and incentive and a clue 
how to successfully, as far as in me lay, guide the life I 
had to lead. I want, as I said before, to bear testimony 
to the character of this inner circle of the professional life 
of Mr. Jacksox, — to its purity, to its high moral tone, 
to the example which it will be to me and to all who can 
appreciate it in its fullness. 

To me personally, Mr. Jackson was a kind friend ; to 
me he gave those fruits of helpfulness that were so needed; 
ho was a kind counselor ; his licart was always open 
and his advice always willing in times of uncertainty and 
perplexity, and within a few days, a little more than a 
week ago, I had occasion, in that reliance, wliich I knew 
was well placed, upon his kindness and his courtesy, to 
approach him ujjon one of those subjects which come to a 
young practitioner, where he needs the guidance and help 
of those who are his seniors; and I found him as I always, 
found liim, open, kind and glad to give to me the advice 
that I needed and to help me over those rough i^laces in 
professional life where, being alone otherwise, my feet 
might have slipped. Mr. Jackson was a gentleman, as 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 37 

has been said, and a Cliristian gentleman. He was a 
gentleman within that definition which surpasses all other 
definitions of a gentleman that I have ever found — the 
definition that came from the lips of the most courteous 
gentleman, perhaps, that ever lived, the poet wai-rior, Sir 
Philip Sidney, whose fame rests quite as much on his 
Christian courtesy and unselfishness on the field of battle, 
which led him to sacrifice, even when dying, his own 
comfort to appease the burning thirst of the wounded 
soldier at his side, as upon any deed of valor he wrought 
or any Avork of poetic beauty he ever conceived. He 
defined a gentleman as "one Avho hath high thoughts 
seated in a heart of courtesy."' Me. Jackson Avas a 
gentleman Avithin that definition ; his life Avas dominated 
by high thoughts and a noble ambition, and his heart Avas 
full to overfloAving Avith the highest, truest courtesy. 

Mr. J. Henry Stone ( Chairman of the Committee 
on Resolutions), then said: 

Me. Ohaieman — The Committee desire to report as 
follows : 

" The announcement of the death of our In-other 
John P. Jackson, Je., strikes us Avith the shock of an 
unexpected bloAv. We knoAV not Avhy it is, Avhen he had 
Just fairly entered upon a career justifying the brilliant 
promises of his youth, he should so suddenly be retpiired 
to lay aside all his ho2)es and leave us. We feel his loss 
with a sorroAV that can come only from a personal 
affliction, and it is Avith sorrowful submission Ave recognize 
in it the hand of a Disposer Avhose poAver Ave cannot 
resist and AA'hosc Avisdom Ave ought not to (jucstion. 
3 



38 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

" As a mark of regard for liis memory, wc, the 
members of the Essex County Bar, desiring to place upon 
record our great estimation of his worth, do thereforo 
adopt the following minute : 

" AYe feel a pride that our late brother was a member 
of our profession. We heartily attest his purity of life, 
his delicate sense of propriety, his conscientiousness to 
his clients, and his fidelity to all men. 

"As a counselor, he added learning, dignity and 
respect to the Bar ; as a companion, he furnished, beyond 
most others, the attractions of kindly courtesy and 
personal magnetism ; as a man, he supplied something to 
thfe happiness of every one wlio knew him. 

" In view of this lamented death, we tender our 
warmest sympathies to his bereaved family, and request 
the Court to have this minute made part of the Court 
records. AYe also request that a copy thereof be sent to 
his family and also to the Essex County Bar Association, 
of which he Avas an officer." 

The committee likewise recommend tlie following : 

"■ RcHolvcd, Tliat the r>ar will meet here, and as a body 
attend hi^ lunera], and that a copy of these proceedings 
be published in the journals of the city." 

Mr. Cii.vtrman — In asking the adoption of these 
resolutions, I feel emotions of no ordinary character. I 
had hoped to be ])resent at the opening of this meeting, 
to announce the death of our friend, but was detained by 
a delay of the train, and I feel now sucli a deep sensibility 
of his loss that I do not know whether I ought to ba 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 39 

here. It seems to me that, with my feelings, I shouhl 
be better seen mourning witli his family than present 
here. I desire, however, to say something, though I am 
not sure how I shall get on. 

It seems to me as though we had just awakened from 
the shock of what seemed to us a terrible dream, and 
after all have found out it is not a dream. It was last 
Saturday morning, when I was at Rahway, going to the 
train, that I first heard the announcement of his death, 
and it seemed to me that I hardly knew it before the 
whole world appeared also to know it. Peoi^lc would 
follow me in the streets on my road to the depot and 
inquire about it. Passengers on the cars would come to 
my seat to learn something of it. And when I arrived at 
Newark, it seemed to me as though every one stopped me 
to express his sorrow. In fact, tlicse sad greetings were 
so frequent that I came from my office to this Court- 
room by an unusual route in order to avoid the pain of 
meeting so many mourners who loved him. 

Snrely, Mr. Chairman, there must have been sometliing 
in him to have excited a sympatliy so profound and so 
extensive. I suppose that overpowering geniality of his, 
which lifted you right into his current whether you wished 
to get there or not, had a great deal • to do with it. He 
inherited from his mother, who was as nearly perfect as 
any one could be, a disposition that was of as much 
consequence to him as his education. He was an oiitimist 
in a high sense. He took a cheerful view of everytliing 
about him. He never met a person but what lie seemed 
to find something in him worth commending. I have 
been intimate with him for half a generation. Except 
when temporarily absent, there has never been a business 



40 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

day when we were not together, and dnring all that time 
he never addressed me with an unkind word. Only on 
the rarest occasions have I heard him express unfriendly 
opinions of any one. When most men do so, they follow 
them up, stick to and defend them. He never cherished 
such opinions ; he could not help announcing them ; but 
after he had announced them, he left them alone to take 
care of themselves. In addition to this, he had the very 
rare faculty of being both a very good talker and a very 
good listener ; and he had an instinctive tact in moulding 
the conversation in such form as to keep it attractive. 
He had courage to defend his own views if attacked ; but 
if he thought tliey would beget difficulties, he preferred 
not to aggressively announce them. His talk was always 
sincere, but he insisted on making it pleasant. He 
believed partly in the motto, "Vera jjto grat is.'' hnt he 
improved it by making it " Vera et grata." And I think 
this eluiracteristic was one of his greatest charms. My 
intimacy' with him extends through occasions when we 
liave mingled our sorrows over the saddest calamities that 
can happen to tlie living, and those in which we have 
shouted our Joys over hilarities that made us forgetful of 
earth ; yet l^etween these Avide extremes and during all 
this long time, I never heard him use a Avord of deceit, 
give expression to a coarse word or utter an impure 
thouglit. Of his mental faculties I desire to say but 
little. Able as they were, they were not of such a i^eculiar 
or unusual character as to excite our interest so much as his 
other qualities. He certainly had a good knowledge of 
tlie science of law. and every day tried to add sonictliing 
to it. In his legal and otlier intellectual pursuits his 
iniiid was essentially conservative. I think original 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 41 

research had little attraction for him. He was more 
industrious to find a precedent than the reasoning of it 
afterward. He believed the orthodox faith was approved 
by the best and purest men. He agreed with them, and 
adopted it without worrying over the quarrels about the 
relationship of science to religion. AVhile such minds 
cannot be counted on in founding new sects or in creating 
revolutions, they are, like his was, so entirely free from 
all vagaries that their judgments are sound and eminently 
reliable. He was politically somewhat ambitious, but he 
was not very zealous in securing place. I think at one 
time he would have been pleased with the appointment of 
Law Judge for the county, and at another with the 
nomination for Congress. Those are the only public 
positions I ever heard him express a desire for, and I 
know he would not have done one mean, importunate or 
indelicate thing to have secured them ; and when they Avere 
0-iven to others the matter seemed to be easily forgotten. 

But after all, it was not so much the intellectual or 
political as the other traits of his character which gave to 
it its chief charms. I never knew one who possessed 
those other traits of which I have already spoken in such 
an admirable degree, nor do I believe I shall ever know 
such another. 

And now, Mr. Chairman, he has left us to fight out 
the rest of life's battles without him. For him we ought 
not to mourn. If avc are to be rcAvarded hereafter accord- 
ing to our conduct here, I am sure that Cod will see to 
it that ho is much better off than any one can be in life. 
It is the loss to us here, it is the desolation that has 
come to tbat home of his, that distresses us. It seems to 
us such a cruel tiling that she who has ahvays lived in 



42 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

the sunsliine, who has never received scarcely even a 

sprinkle of sorrow, should so suddenly have this deluge 

poured over her, who knows too well, and over those little 

ones, who know nothing at all, as to what it means. 

We have, however, sir, one consolation ; although he 

will not come back and again add new life to the atmosphere 

as he enters our doors with his enthusiastic presence, yet we 

know that in a short time — and judging from his history 

it may be very short — we will follow him. We can at 

least indulge in the hope that then we shall meet him. 

asfain. I have a consciousness — if foolish, at least de- 
cs 

lightful — that one of these days in the hereafter I shall 
again meet his friendly grasp and cordial welcome; and 
when, in a few hours, we shall bury all that is mortal of 
him, my farewell salutation to him will be the words of 
Tully: "May our next meeting give us nnich more 
pleasure than this departure gives us pain." 

Mr. Cortlandt Parker then said : 

After listening to one who has been able to repress his 
feelings and say a few words so well, perhaps I, too, may 
be able to express a thought or two in reference to the 
sad event which assembles us together. 

This blow is one of the most appalling which even my 
long exi)erience can bring to mind. It is inconceivable, 
almost, that that man, so stalwart in physical projjortions, 
in strength, checrincss, cheerfulness, mental, moral and 
physical power, can be gone ! When the information of 
his sickness came to me, I, called almost immediately at 
his house; and as I came to his door and there found the 
sad emblem of his death fluttering froni the bell-haiullc, 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR 4^ 

I could only say ''Great God! is this true? How and 
why?" And what more can we say now? What more 
ought we to say or do than how hefore the wisdom, as 
well as the jDOWcr, that has so suddenly bereft us of a 
friend, and this city of one of its most rising men? We 
hear a voice as if it spoke to us in two sentences: "Be 
still and know that I am God," and 'MYhat I do thou 
knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." One 
thing more we ought to do, which, ])erhaps, has thus far 
been omitted; we ought to realize the fact that the consola- 
tion in this matter is great, if the blow be great. JoHK 
P. Jackson's fate is something about which no Christian 
man can have a doubt. My friend spoke about the way 
in which he put away difficulties in theological matters, 
and went on in simple belief, caring nothing about the 
disputes that "science, falsely so called," raises against 
religion. Ho thus hinted at that which is our consola- 
tion and his consolation, and I feel it no more than right, 
no more than my duty, before the community, before the 
Bar, to hold up this man as a humble, quiet, unassuming, 
perhaps reticent, and yet real Christian. He did not know 
he was to die; he had no dream that his death was so 
near ; but if he had been told it, he would have folded 
his arms in perfect peace and said, "I know in wliotu I 
have believed." 

Mr. Chairman, must we not all feel this ? and must we 
not hereafter, as we pass through life — some of us with 
many years aliead, otliers with a future which is shortening 
to their sight every day — must we not, I say, carry this 
memory along with us, and now and always rejoice, ni 
the contemplation of Mr. Jacksoj^'s career, that the Bar 
of Essex County has furnished to the community a man 



44 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

universally acknowledged to liave been a pattern of true 
manliness, and who was known besides, by tliose who 
knew him best, to be a godly, believing, honest and 
thorough Christian ? 
What more can I say ? 

Mr. Thomas N. McCarter then said : 

Mr. Chairmax — I ask the attention of this meeting 
ior a moment, while I endeavor to add a word to what 
has already been said on this occasion. As I did not 
grow up with Mr. Jacksox, nor commence my profes- 
sional career in association with him, perhajDS I did not 
tnow him so well as some others, but I first became 
ac(|uainted with Mr. Jackson in the winter of 1862, 
when a very young man. He was a member of the 
House of Assembly, of Avhich I Avas also a member. 
It was a very notable House of Assembly, such as this 
State seldom sees assembled. 'It was the second year 
of the war, when the people seemed to have but one 
mind, and selected their best men to repi'esent them in 
our Assembly, and I may mention some gentlemen who 
were members of that House besides Mr. Jacksox, some 
of whom remain and are well known. There were in 
that House, Mr. Jacol) Vanatta, Socrates Tuttle, George 
A. Halsey, John Hill, General Charles Ilaight, of 
Monmouth ( who was Speaker ), Mr. John Mann, of 
Somerville, John G. Stone, of Trenton, and many others, 
including our deceased friend ; and there I formed his 
acfjuaintance. lie could not have been over twenty-five 
years of age, and 1 was; struck then with the diligent 
a,nd careful attention which he gave to all his duties 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 45 

as a logislutor, and Avifli that patriotic fervoi' wliieh 
found liim ready to do, without regard to ])artisan 
feeling, everything that was necessary to sustain the 
honor and the safety of our then threatened Government. 
He was diligent in the discharge of every legislative 
duty, and without tlie slightest ' attempt to make any 
display or to obtrude himself upon the notice of the 
Assembly, he was influential in the jiassage of many 
important measures which have remained until this day 
upon our statute-books. I can recall two with which 
lawyers are familiar, the passage of which was due to 
his persistent attention and earnest advocacy among the 
other members. One of them is that statute which 
permits foreign witnesses to be examined in other States, 
upon notice, instead of tlie cumbrous form of taking- 
out a commission, which was introduced and advocated 
by him, and passed by his exertions. The other is 
that well-known statute with regard to the protest of 
promissory notes, which permits notice to l)c given 
through the post-ofhce in the same town or city where 
the endorser lives, thus removing a great difficulty in 
the proper i)rotesting of notes. I have no doubt that 
if I took the trouble I could remember a gretit many 
more, but those two come under my notice. They all 
illustrated the fact that he was diligent in the discharge 
of the duties then, cast upon him, and discharged those 
duties not only with fidelity and prudence, but with 
great intelligence and zeal. I liad also, in addition to 
that favorable opportunity of making his accpiaintance, 
at the same time an opportunity of meeting him socially 
in that delightful social circle in Trenton which so 
many of us enjoyed, and in wliich he was always 



46 PROCEEDINGS OP ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

welcome because of — and there I first realized and became 
acquainted with — those ])eautiful social qualities alluded 
to here, and for which he was so distinguished. From 
that time, whenever I met him on the streets of Newark, 
I was struck with his warm-hearted, generous hospitality. 
I never met him — when I was coming here — but li& 
invited me to his house and seemed overflowing with 
that good-nature and kindly feeling which has been, 
referred to here. In after years, when I came to tliis 
city and became necessarily aquainted with him in the 
practice of my profession, I was often pitted against 
him under circumstances calculated to try tlic temper 
and provoke asperity, and I never knew any one more 
courteous and uniformly kind and jDolite, even on tliose 
occasions when the best of us sometimes give way, and 
in all our professional intercourse, I cannot recall a 
single word he uttered that I would wisli unsaid. 
There was not only that gentle courtesy to all around 
him, but a deferential manner to those who were his 
seniors in the profession which was beautiful to behold 
and which could not hel]) but enhance the beauty of 
his character. 

Mr. Jackson would sometimes say in a laughing way, 
" What is the use of our sitting up nights, bothering- 
ourselves about the law ? we have a cor})s of intelligent 
judges, well paid to do that ; let them look up tlic law !" 
But any luckless practitioner who entered into a contest 
with Mr. Jackson, and supposed he acted on that 
principle, would find tliat lie liad looked up the law, and 
would find, as Mr. Stone suggested, that he was well 
supplied witli those cases which furnished precedents to 
the occasion. He was a well-balanced man: ho did not 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR, 47 

allow his attention to his profession — in which he never 
flagged — he did not allow that to freeze out all his social 
sympathies. He was a hroad man ; ho knew what was 
going on all over the world ; he entertained positive views, 
and could express himself pleasantly, intelligently on all 
the ordinary topics of the day; he was interested in all 
that was going on around him ; a memhcr of the Union 
League Club ; but recently President of the Essex County 
Bible Society ; he Avas active in church and in Sunday- 
school, and in all their associated enterprises. While he 
was a lawyer, faithful, diligent, industrious and conscien- 
tious, he was not a mere lawyer ; but he was a man who 
partook of everything and enjoyed everything that came 
in his way. 

Above all, Mr. Chairman, he was a wise man ; he did 
not leave until the dying hour the important subject of 
preparation for death and eternity ; nor did he content 
himself with a mere pu1)lic profession of religion and then 
lapse back into indifference or unconcern aboiit that 
important matter ; but he was active in the discharge of 
every duty belonging to him as a professing Christian, 
and those who know him best know how faithful he was 
in his household and in training u]) his children in the 
way of truth. 

His life was an examj)le to us all ; but his death comes 
to us, especially to those who were his seniors in years, 
with oh! how sharp a warning, and utters those solemn 
words, "Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye 
think not, the Son of Man cometh." He was ready, and 
if this sudden bereavement which has so shocked us shall 
also have the effect of awakening us, either his seniors or 
juniors, to tlie im})ortancc of that great concern, then. 



48 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. " 

great as tlie calamity seems to us, his death will, after 
all, be a great blessing. He is gone, Mr, Chairman. It 
is hard to realize, so sudden has been the shock, and so 
unprepared were we all for it. It is liard to realize that 
we never shall see his manly form and quick step walking 
into this Bar and appearing before this Court ; that we 
never again sliall hear that cheerful, that thrilling voice, 
that seemed to stir up everybydy Avho came within the 
reach of its tones ; that we never again shall meet him in 
the social circle, around the festive board or in any of 
those places w^here he was so often found and so 
universally beloved. But the influence of his example is 
with us ; the warning that his death has given us is with 
us, and we will be wise if we heed them both; wise if we 
cultivate more and more all those beautiful characteristics 
and that delightful courtesy and politeness, his chief 
cliarm in i)rofessional life ; wise if we heed the warning 
and we ourselves be also ready. 

Mr. William Paterson then addressed the meet- 
ing as follows: 

Permit me, Mr Chairman, to add a few words to what 
has been said on I his occasion; not, however, with any 
idea that I can pay a more worthy tril)ute to the memory 
of tlie friend wlio will mingle no longer amoug us here, 
than already has been done. I have known John P- 
Jackson, Jk., for half the 3^ears he lived on earth, and 
most of those years, well. 

My acquaintance with him commenced at Ihe time to 
which reference has been made l)y that one of our 
number who spoke lirst to the large gathering that 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 49 

attests the estimation in wliicli Mu. Jackson was held by 
his professional associates, when he was selected to deliver, 
on taking the degree of Master of Arts, the oration 
connected therewith at the college institntion wlicre you, 
sir, and I and many of those present received onr early 
education. lie was not of my class in age, and for want 
of inclination and other qmilitics not necessary to mention 
here, the limited legal sphere in which I chose to move 
was diiferent from the active one in Avhich he participated. 
Still, I may say that my relations had been more close 
and intimate with him than with any of those wlio 
practice at this Bar, two only excepted. This was 
professional in part, Init to a great extent derived from 
other causes. The cordiality with which he greeted my 
appearance among you, now more than thirteen years ago, 
made an impression upon me lasting to this day, and the 
whole course of his conduct and hearing since assured me 
of his sincerity. I have often recalled that act with 
feelings of gratification and pleasure, the more so as 
there had been no especial reason why he should liave 
been more marked in tluit respect than others. But the 
similarity of interest we felt in promoting the prosperity 
of the college in which we had been trained Avas one of 
the strongest links by which our associations were con- 
nected. It was my good fortune, also, to see much of 
him in the last year or two of the life now terminated so 
suddenly and sadly, by acting with him on a commission 
of a public nature, involving nuuiy delicate and sensitive 
interests, rcrpiiring the ])ersonal attention and intercom- 
munication of each to a large degree, and in considering 
which I can testify tluit our friend was failliful and 
laborious, and second to no other in the (bought and 
time and study he gave to the work lie luid to prepare. 



50 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

I have but little more to say. Those of you in Newark 
here know his character as a citizen and in the relations 
of private life, and his deportment as a Christian, better 
than any delineation I could undertake to give. While 
we differed in many matters and things, as men must 
continue to do in such a world as this, and while our 
political views were as variant as well could be, still no 
divergency of sentiment ever marred the harmony of our 
intercourse, and all my remembrances of him are only of 
the kindest and most pleasant nature. I can recall 
nothing that ever left a smart or a sting, or which he 
might have wished had not been said. As was his 
greeting in September, 1867, so were his last words in 
December, 1880, and so they all had been. It was not 
among the probabilities in life that I should stand and 
speak such words as these on an occasion like this, but as 
the mysterious jiossibility has occurred which leaves me 
the survivor of the two, let me assure you that the 
sentiments I express are sincere in feeling and true in 
fact. 

So our friend, his life and all his labors done, has 
gone from out the living number here. Wlio next will 
pass in turn ? Will it be you, or I, or one of those still 
in their manhood's prime ? AVhen the forbidden fruit was 
taken from the tree of knowledge, the decree went forth 
that all mankind must die. We know just that ; but 
when or where or how, that we can never know on earth. 
Like the first parent of the human race, men can look 
back upon the past. He ate the apple, and memory rose 
up and tlirew a backward glance ; the present was before 
him, but the future which he sought to know, that, 
beyond the certainty of death, was not revealed. 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. ol 

Mr. David A. Ryerson then said : 

•Mr. Chairman — I cannot allow this occasion to pass 
Tvitliout a word for my friend of many years. When I 
came to Newark, some twenty years ago, Mr. Jackson 
was one of the first to give me welcome. It was a hearty 
gi-eeting, warm, generous, strong, and very precious to a 
stranger in a strange city. The acquaintance then formed 
soon ripened into a friendship that never grew dim, but 
was continuous and lasting. And to-day, when I recall 
all the pleasant associations wo have had together, all his 
kindly words and deeds, now seemingly so far away, yet 
so golden in memory, the lips fail to utter what the heart 
would gladly say. 

We all personally feel the loss of this genial, earnest, 
noble-hearted man. Some here will recollect the old 
Newark Law Club ; an association which, for conscientious 
work, harmony of feeling and action, and strong personal 
iittachments, has probably never been equaled in this city. 
It seems to be only a short time ago since we formally 
disbanded; yet the roll-call to-day shows that the majority 
of its members have crossed the river — Condit, Haines, 
Smith, Perry, Greincr, and now John P. Jackson, Jr., 
with all his manly strength and charm of presence. 

His life was full of activity and energy. He was always 
ready to do a kindly act; always cheerful, brave of 
purpose, strong in action, pure in thought. 

Perhaps it is not for me to speak of, but on an 
occasion like this, when the human heart, as well as 
revelation, tells us of a life beyond, we cannot help 
rejoicing that our brotl^er and friend so lived that 



52 PROCEECINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

lieneel'orth for liim, in ti happier clime, there are no- 
more partings, no more tears. 

Mr. William A. Righter then addressed the 
meeting as follows : 

Me. Chairman — I desire to contribute a word in 
regard to onr departed friend. Others have spoken more 
of his later life. AVo have heard interestingly from one 
who was a student in his office ; another who was his 
partner there ; another who was his associate member of 
the Legislature, and another who has gone with him 
through all the Courts in this State. 

They have displayed his character in such admirable 
terms that no one can attempt to pass over the ground 
so thoroughly occupied by them. I desire to call the 
attention of the young men here to-day to another 
important feature of his character. When I first came 
to this city, his learned father and honored mother, 
wTiose virtues have been so faithfully sketched by Mr. 
8tone, received me into the hospitalities of their home; — 
the homestead at that time was on the west side of Broad 
street, adjoining the Third Presbyterian Church ; and 
John P. Jackson was then a school-boy. 

I have thus known Mr. Jackson from boyhood — 
have followed him through his school-days, observed him 
while in college and in his professional preparation, and 
also during his jorofessional course — and have had occa- 
sion to meet him variously at the Bar, in (he sircct, in 
business life and in .-ocial circles ; and 1 can only 
emphasize what has been so well said l)y those who 
have ])reeeded me — that I never, at any time, heard a 
word or a suggestion of anything impure or impro]»er 
from or of Mr. Jackson. 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR 53 

"When a youth, he never showed the waywardness and 
the frivolities which most youths think they cannot 
escape. He avoided them all ; and there was laid the 
foundation of the great attainments he made. 

When a youth, he was always manly, and seemed to be 
constantly entertaining an apprehension that there Avas 
before him in life an important place to fill, and to be 
earnestly preparing for, and pressing forward to, the 
attainment of that end. It is to this important feature 
that I desire to call attention, in hopes that it may be 
impressed upon others, and they induced to emulate and 
profit by his example. 

The foundation must be laid early ; correct habits must 
be formed then ; and if they are, there is little danger of 
that person. The result was that everybody knew they 
could trust implicitly in John P. Jackson, and that 
all reliance could be placed upon his word and his 

honor . 

He was always found abiding strictly in honor, purity 
and truth; and that secured him the estimation, confi- 
dence and admiration of this community. And let me 
say, he did attain to fill a large place in this community : 
— and who, of all this great number here, is prepared 
to undertake to fill the place of Mr. Jackson? In 
all the various walks of life he filled a high place, 
and that was because ho was industrious, faithful and 
true in all its relations. 

•'To thine own self be true, 
And it must follow, as the night the day, 
Thou canst not then be false to any man." 
4 



54: PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

And thus he was standing always in the right, a 
shining example of what it brings to every man. His 
whole life seemed a hounding joy. We always loved to 
meet him everywhere. He was ever welcome, because he 
was always cheerful, cheering and ready ; prepared for 
whatever came to hand ; and if I Avere to mention a 
sobriquet peculiarly applicable to him, it would be semper 
paratus. 

As has been said to us, in the church, in the Sunday- 
school, in the social circle, at the Bar, in professional 
service, in matters of education, research or charity, in 
political affairs, he was always ready, prepared to take 
his part in each good word and work ; to do something — 
to be of use. 

Is a man's life measured by the number of days he 
lives, or by what he accomplishes ? 

He has fulfilled the high end of showing us how rightly 
to live, and that it is within the reach of all, beginning 
early, and continuing faithful in well-doing to the end, 
to accomplish great good and attain high i)osition. 

Of course, nature did much for him in that splendid 
physique and in those genial, smiling manners, so rarely 
bestowed, and which we shall ever recall with delight ; 
but his chief merit lay in his fidelity to every trust, in 
his conscientious discharge of duty, and in his constant 
readiness to do with might whatsoever his hand found to 
do. His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in 
him, that Nature might stand up and say to all the 
world, "This was a man." 

He carried to an untimely grave with him tiic lieartfelt 
respect and confidence — yea, the flowing tears — of this 
Court, of this Bar, and of tliis entire communitv. How 



PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 55 

remarkable 1 Does it not point, as with the finger of 
Eternity, to the couplet : 

" There's a. Divinity that shapes our ends, 
Rough hew them how we will." 

The patriarch has put the pertinent question, "If a 
man die, shall he live again?" In this intelligent 
audience, after what has been said, I am sure no doubt 
can exist on that point. Shall any say this warm heart, 
this gentle nature, this ready, active spirit, with all its 
■capabilities and charms, shall cease to exist, simply because 
.that bosom heaves no more ? 

Is it thinkable that all those aspiring activities shall 
perish with the breath of life ? Not to me. It seems 
that he has simply passed behind a screen, and a very 
thin one. To mortal eyes it is opaque, but to celestial 
eyes it is transparent. Don't you think he is standing 
just behind now, taking the same interest in the affairs of 
life as he did but a few days since ? Can it be otherwise ? 
Must we not Join him there ? I know we shall. Let us, 
then, as we remember how rapidly life brings us near the 
same door, ever ajar, strive to emulate his example, and 
keep our light burning brightly until the api)ointed time 
comes, when we shall also be called away hence. 

" So live that, when thy summons comes to join 
The innumerable caravan that moves 
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take 
His chamber in the silent halls of death, 
Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night. 
Scourged to his dungeon; but, sustained and sootlied 
By an unfaltering trast, approach thy grave 
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." 



56 PROCEEDINGS OF ESSEX COUNTY BAR. 

Mr. Elwood C. Harris then said : 

Mr. Chairman — Without adding anything to what has 
been so well said, I rise simply to move the adoption of 
the minute which the Committee has reported to this 
meeting. 

The minute was thereupon unanimously adopted. 

Senator Stone then said : 

Mr. Chairman — Several gentlemen have asked me at 
what time the committee would suggest that members of 
the Bar should meet here in order to attend the funeral. 
The services commence at two o'clock, and we suggest 
that members of the Bar meet here at half-past one 
o'clock, which will give us ample time to reach the house 
in good season. 

The meeting then adjourned. 



Proceedings at Princeton College. 



The following paper was read by Rev. William 
O. Stitt, at Princeton, N. J., on the occasion of the 
Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Class of 1856 : 

JoHX P. Jackson, Jr., was born in Newark, :N"ew Jersey, 
February 6, 1837, and died in Newark, New Jersey, De- 
cember 17, 1880. He entered college as a Sophomore in 
1853, and graduated with the first honor in 1856. In 
1857 he entered the Cambridge Law School, and on gradua- 
tion won a prize for a treatise on Abandonment by the 
Law of Insurance. In 1859 he was appointed to dehver 
the Master's Oration at Princeton. He served in the lower 
house of the Legislature of New Jersey in 1862 and 1863, 
receiving in the latter year the complimentary nomination 
for Speaker, when his party was in the minority. He was 
Counsel for the city of Newark from 1866 to 1870. In 
1878 he was before the Convention of the Republican 
party as a candidate for Congress, but gracefully sub- 
mitted to its choice of another standard-bearer, and 
worked hard for his election. At the time of his decease 
he was a member of the tax commission appointed by 
the Governor of New Jersey, Trustee of Newark Academy, 
Secretary of the New Jersey Colonization Society, mem- 
ber of the New Jersey Historical Society and Counsel of 
the Pennsylvania Railroad. 



58 PROCEEDINGS AT PRINCETON COLLEGE. 

Oiir classmate entered life Avith many advantages, and 
made the most of them. He inherited a sound mind in 
a sound Ijody ; was reared in a Christian family, by noble 
parents, received an amj)le preparation for college, took 
the head of the class, and kej)t it by faithful work, and 
so received the Latin Salutatory, and afterward the Master's 
Oration, to the satisfaction of the entire class. Had he 
lived longer, we believe that a high j)lace in his profession 
and his political life would have been earned by him. As 
a memorial of his life is in preparation, we must content 
ourselves here with a classmate's estimate of a classmate. 

John p. Jackson's physique was large and noljle, his 
voice ringing and cheerful, his face handsome and intel- 
tectual. When he i-ecited, he was so vigorous, manly 
and attractive that we all looked at him as well as listened 
to him, and gave the hearty man, as inuch as the accurate- 
scholar, the meed of our applause. It is not strange that 
a man of his health and strength should have been a 
man of genial temperament and spirits. He was happy 
and sportive among his companions, and his laughter 
added zest to theirs. Few first-honor men whose honor 
is won by toil more than by genius ever knew better how 
to unbend or when to play than our classmate did. 
Though he never gave to frolic the time that Avas due to 
study, no man Avas ever more ready for mirth than he. 
He easily won friends and never lost one. He Avas a 
" good felloAV " among us, as well as our leading scholar, 
and Ave all loved him and Ave all respected him. 

As he Avas our first-honor man in a lai'ge class, it goes, 
without saying that his mind Avas one of unusual poAvers. 
To be sure, it Avas not Avithout labor that he maintained 
his pre-eminence, but it Avas not Avithout real ability too^ 



PROCEEDINGS AT PRINCETON COLLEGE. D^ 

He clearly grasped all the studies of the course, and 
maintained a liigli grade in each of them. We admired 
the minute accuracy of his recitations, but felt that there 
was more than the memory of the text-book — there was 
the power of the thinker. 

Mr. Jackson was very genial and gentlemanly in his 
deportment. I think his position as first-honor man never 
aroused any envious or dissatisfied feelings in his class or 
among his rivals and that this fact was due, not only 
to his merit as a scholar, but also to his own kindly 
carriage toward all his classmates. His voice and hand 
and smile made every one his friend, and even his rivals 
rejoiced in his success. 

His character had always been free from any vice, and 
his moral tone had been pure and high from- his child- 
hood. In his Senior year he made a Christian profession, 
and even for a while earnestly considered the question of 
entering the ministry. 

It was a great joy to hear his j^astor at his funeral 
testify, not only to the qualities wliich we his classmates 
knew so well, but also to his Christian fidelity in the 
family, the Sunday-school and the church. Even the Bar 
as well as the church gave testimony to his Christian 
believing and living. 

We look upon John P. Jackson, Jr., as a noble speci- 
men of the gentleman, the scholar and the Christian. 

His sudden death flings a deep shadow on our meeting- 
to-day. We expected to see his handsome face, to grasp 
his friendly hand, to hear his hearty voice, l)ut God has 
called him hence. Fnif, sed nunc ad adra. 

He was married on the 20th of October, 1868 to Miss 
Gregory, of Jersey City. Five children survive their 
father. It is the universal' testimonv of his kindred and 



60 PROCEEDINGS AT PRINCETON COLLEGE. 

his friends that he was the kindest husband and father, 
and that it was in his family that he expended the wealth 
of his generous love, and showed the depth of his religious 
affections. 

An extract from the minutes of a meeting of 
the Class of 1856, held in Princeton, Septembei- 21, 
1881, on the occasion of the Twenty-fifth Anniver- 
sary of their graduation. 

Another classmate has fallen by the way. His death 
makes the day we celebrate almost painful in memory. 
Vie recall so readily, so clearly, the man, the scholar, 
the friend — the pride of our class. Meekly he bore his 
honors with the glad consent of us all. We were honored 
in him who stood twenty-five years ago the representative 
man of this class. Through these years of work and care, 
no one has forgotten him, no one ceased to honor him, 
no one failed to love him. His manly form and bear- 
ing, his frank and genial face, his quick and cordial 
manner, his acute and trained intellect ; and above all his 
warm and generous heart secured him an imperishable 
memory. To-day he is first in our hearts, as twenty- 
five years ago he was first in our ranks. While life lasts 
and with passing years we renew our fellowship) with the 
living. Amid the hallowed memories of noble and useful 
lives, we will with love and honor cherish the memory 
of John P. Jackson, Jk. 

Signed by order of the class, 

DAVID MAGIE, of New Jersey, 
W. C. STITT. of New York, 
W. D. HARDEN, of Georgia, 
S. C. CHEW, of Maryland, 
G. A. MERCER, of Georgia. 



Action of the Newark Law Association. 



At a meeting of the Newark Law Association, 
held at their rooms on the 18th day of December, 
A. D. 1880, the following resolutions were adopted : 

Whereas, This Association has heard with deep regret 
and profonnd sorrow of the decease of John P. Jackson, 
Jr., Esq., one of our honorary members ; and 

Whereas, We are desirous of showing our high esteem 
and respect for the deceased : therefore be it 

Resolved, That inasmuch as it has pleased Almighty 
God, in His all-wise providence, to remove from our 
midst one whose services in the establishment of this 
Association we highly appreciate, therefore be it further 

Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved family of the 
deceased our most heartfelt sympathy in their affliction, 
and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to them, 
and that the same be also entered upon the minutes of 
this Association and published in the daily papers. And 
be it further 

Resolved, That we attend the funeral of the deceased. 

ARTHUR R. DBNMAN, 
HOWARD W. HAYES, 
FRANK C. WILLCOX, 

Committee. 



Action of the Republican Association. 



EOOMS OF THE EePUBLICAN ASSOCIATION, 

Newark, N. J., Dec. 20, 1880. 
At a meeting of the members of the Republican 
Association, to take action in regard to the late 
John P. Jackson, Jr., Esq., who, up to the time of 
his death, was President of the Association, 

Vice-President Baker called the meeting to order 
and spoke as follows : 

Gentlemen of the Republican Association — It is 
scarcely necessjiry for me to say that I deemed it my 
duty to call yon together, in view of the recent sad 
event with which you are all acquainted, and it is 
perhaps still more unnecessary for me to recall to you 
any of the characteristics of the one in whose memory 
we are assembled. His geniality of disposition and his 
good-fellowshii) made him a friend to each and every 
one of us. Born and reared in Newark, perhaps no 
man was better known in our community. His abounding 
health and robust constitution seemed to mark him for 
one destined to a long life. You all remember as well 
as I do the interest he took in this Association during 



ACTION OF THE REPUBLICAN ASSOCIATION. 03 

the late campaign, and all realize how agreeable his 
presence made the most monotouons of our committee 
meetings. I have called you together, gentlemen, to take 
such action in respect to this loss to the community and 
this Association as you may deem proper in the premises. 

Walter J. Knight was then elected Secretary, and 
on motion of City Attorney F. S. Fish, the Chair 
appointed F. S. Fish, Senator Francis, J. L. Sutphen, 
J. V. Diefenthaeler and James L. Hays a committee 
to prepare resolutions relative to the death of the 
late President. 

After a brief absence from the meeting, the com- 
mittee reported the following. 

At a meeting of the Eepublican Association of the City 
of Kewark, convened on the occasion of the death of 
its President, John P. Jackson, Jr., Esq., the following- 
declaration was made : 

In this sad event tliere are two sources of feeling — 
one of profound sorrow at the sudden close of an 
intimacy so cheerful, useful and honorable as that which 
Mr. Jackson has maintained with the Association ; the 
other is one of pride and gratitude that a nature so 
noble as that of our President should have left to us 
a record so unselfish, so unstained, yet so unfinished ; so 
full of manliness and love to man, so kindly in all its 
instincts, so brave and positive in all its action, so welded 
to principle and patriotism, so pure in all its findings, as 
that of our President. 

He stopped on the centre of a life whicli Avas cleanly 



64 ACTION OF THE REPUBLICAN ASSOCIATION. 

and devoted to cause. In his entire past there was much 
to admire. In his future were bright hopes of distinguished 
position. Others have spoken their word of his character 
as a Christian gentleman and lawyer. We speak from a 
feeling toward the Eepublican and the publicist whom we 
had chosen us our leader, Avhom God has pleased to take 
from our leadership. 

Mr. Jackson was not a leader in the common sense of 
the word. He was as unselfish as he was able and anxious 
to direct. Regarding him as one of the best types of the 
true gentleman and American citizen, we pay this tribute 
to his memory. 

For ourselves, his energy, his tact, his steadfast ways 
remain as a memory to be perpetuated by the man who 
must take his place. 

But to his family we offer the sincere condolence of an 
Association in which he was destitute of enemies and rich 
in friends. 

We ask that this minute be spread upon our record, 
and that a suitable copy be engrossed and transmitted to 
his family. 

These resolutions were unanimously adopted, and 
the Association then adjourned. 



Action of the Newark Academy. 



April 21, 1881. 
At the annual meeting of the stockholders, held 
on Tuesday, 19th inst., the President, Samuel H. 
Pennington, M.D., presented his report, after the 
reading of which the following resolution was 
adopted : 

Resolved, That the President's Animal Keport be 
accepted and spread upon the minutes, and that so much 
of it as refers to the late John P. Jackson, Jr., be 
communicated to his family. 

Extract from Report. 

The Trustees would do injustice to their own feelings 
and the memory of an honored and lamented colleague, 
were they to conclude this communication without refer- 
ring, with becoming expressions of esteem and sorrow, to 
the great loss that, in common with their fellow-citizens, 
they have suffered in the sudden decease of the late John 
P, Jackson, Jr. 

Mr. Jackson became a member of this board m the 
year 1869, and, during the whole period of his connection 
with it, evinced a warm interest in tlie institution and 



M ACTION OF NEWARK ACADEMY. 

tlie cause of higher education it was designed to promote. 
A gentleman of liberal culture and distinguished scholar- 
ship, he was well fitted to impart valuable suggestions for 
the improvement of the course of study and of the 
methods of instruction, and he was at all times as ready 
to make, as the board was glad to receive and profit from 
them. His intercourse with his colleagues was charac- 
terized by cordiality, courtesy and deference ; and the 
affability and gentlemanly bearing that marked his general 
demeanor were equally conspicuous in the deliberations of 
the board. 

His absence from their councils will be felt and long 
lamented, and the cheerful greeting and the Avarm grasp 
with which he was wont to meet his associates will ever be 
held by them in affectionate remembrance. 

It will devolve on the stockholders at the present 
meeting to fill the vacancy created by this afflictive 
providence. 

They will be fortunate if they make choice of one who 
will prove as wise a counselor and as agreeable and 
faithful an associate and friend. 

[A copy from the minutes.] 

CHAS. G. ROCKWOOD, 

jSecrefari/. 



tore. 



Obituary Notices. 



[Daily Advertiser, December IS^/i.] 
DEATH OF JOHN P. JACKSON, JR. 

JoHX Peter Jackson, Jr., the well-known lawyer of 
this city, died at his residence on High street at an early 
hour last evening, after a few days' illness from a cold, 
which developed into acute bronchitis. He was attending 
to his law business in his office, corner Broad and 
€linton streets, a week ago, when the heating apparatus 
got out of order and he contracted his illness. The 
next day he complained to a friend of pain in the 
lungs, and on Sunday became worse, so that Dr. 
O'Gorman was summoned. All the usual remedies failed 
to arrest the ravages of the disease, which assumed an 
acute character. Yesterday Dr. Dougherty was called in 
consultation, and the two physicians expressed the opinion 
that Mr. Jackson was in a very dangerous condition, 
and a few hours later he died. 

Mr. Jackson Avas the third son of the late John P. 
Jackson, the well-known former Vice-President of the 



68 OBITUARY NOTICES. 

old New Jersey Railroad Company. After a preliminary 
edncation with the late Nathan Hedges, in a class 
numbering many of our well-known residents, he entered 
Princeton College and graduated jn 1856, after which he 
took a course in Cambridge Law School, where he received 
one of the prizes for the best treatise. On his return to 
this city he began the practice of law, and was, until about 
a year ago, the partner of ex-Senator Stone, since which 
time he has practiced alone. He was a member of the 
Legislature in 1862 and 1863, and in the latter year received 
the complimentary nomination of the Eepublican members 
for Speaker. He was also City Counsel of this City from 
1866 to 1870, under the administration of Mayoi- Peddie. 
Two years ago, Mr. Jackson was prominently named for 
member of Congress in this district, and received a 
number of votes in the Convention before Mr. Blake was 
nominated. He was appointed by Governor McClellan a 
member of the Special Commission to frame a general tax 
law, whose labors were not yet finished. Mr. Jackson 
was also prominently identified with our local politics, and 
last spring was elected President of the Newark Repub- 
lican Association. He frequently spoke at public meetings 
throughout the county, and was one of the most active 
and earnest Republicans in this community. 

Mr. Jackson was also one of the Trustees of the 
Newark Academy, Secretary of the New Jersey Coloniza- 
tion Society, an active member of the Historical Society, 
and connected with other organizations. He was one of 
the prominent members of the South Park Presbyterian 
Church, and also engaged in tlic Sunday-school. Me. 
Jackson hold a ])r()minent i)osition at the Bar in this 
State, and was one of tlie counsel of the Pennsylvania 



OBITUARY NOTICES. 69 

Eailroad. He married, some years ago, Miss Gregory, of 
Jersey City, who survives him, with five children. He 
had a robust physique, and was one of the last persons 
who would have been selected as likely to succumb early 
to disease. He was in the forty-fourth year of his age, 
and was a man of very genial and pleasant manners, 
which won the love and respect of all with whom he was 
associated. His death will be sincerely mourned by a 
large circle of friends all over the State. 

Mr. Jackson's last appearance in public was in a legal 
case on Saturday. He was to have addressed the Board 
of Trade on tax matters on Wednesday evening, but his 
place was filled by Prof. Atherton. 

The suddenness of Mr. Jackson's death is strongly 
illustrated in a letter, dated Wednesday last. It is : 



Newark, Dec. 15, 1880. 

Ml'. P. T. Quinn : 

Dear Sir — I am confined to my house from the 
severe effects of the same cold which prevented me from 
attending your meeting last week. I am glad to read 
that you expect to hear from Professor Atherton. If you 
should hold another meeting on this subject before the 
Tax Commission Bill is acted upon by the next Legis- 
lature, I will take pleasure in attending it if you desire. 
Yours very sincerely, 

JOHN P. JACKSON, 

No. 708 High street. 



Written only forty-eight hours before his death, there is 
no evidence of sickness in this casual letter. 



70 OBITUARY NOTICES. 



[Daily Advertiser, December 18//;.] 

The sudden death of Johk P. Jacksoist, Je., saddens 
many a face to-day and is the object of a shocked 
surprise. He was so stalwart in form, so cheerful in 
temper, so hardy in all his ways, that a long life seemed 
assured to him. All the other elements seemed to combine 
in his favor. He loved work and he loved recreation, 
never letting the one interfere with the other. With a 
keen sense of duty and a manly industry in the affairs of 
life, he combined a Joyous liking for society, which 
showed itself at home, in the office or on the street. On 
the street, his eye was quick and alert, and his salute 
was as graceful as it was resonant and manly. Somewhat 
ambitious of political preferment, especially for a nomina- 
tion to Congress only three short months ago, he gave no 
sign of disappointment, and confirmed his chances of a 
future success by a cordial and sincere effort to do his 
best in every way. He was a brave soldier, a trusted 
lawvcr, happy in all his relations — the most sacred as 
well as the most public — full of friendships, incapable of 
enmities. Christian and therefore gentleman. But for him 
the laughing day is done before he felt the slightest 
sense of that weariness of life which is the sorrow and 
disappointment of so many. 



OBITUARY NOTICES. 



71 



[Evening Journal, December 18//*.] 

THE DEATH OF MR. JACKSON. 

Under any circumstances, the death of Mr. John P. 
Jackson, Jr., would arouse a deep and wide-spread 
feeling in this community ; hut under those attending his 
demise, so sudden, so surprising and so startling, we do 
not wonder that the puljlic is shocked and can scarcely 
realize the truth of the lamentable occurrence. Aside 
from his highly respectable and even distinguished family 
relations, Mr. Jackson was greatly esteemed, not only 
among those who enjoyed intimacy with him, but among 
those who had merely a passing acquaintanceship with 
him. His handsome person, polished address and most 
genial manner and gentlemanly ways won for him 
everywhere a cordial and kindly reception. Thousands in 
this community who scarcely knew the man to speak to 
him have learned of his death to-day with feelings akin 
to those that would possess them in the event of a personal 
bereavement. Never was the uncertainty of life so 
strikingly illustrated as in this event which gives every 
one pause. But yesterday, we might say, this man of 
splendid physique was in our midst, bearing his full share 
of the work of life, presenting an appearance of perfect 
health, and with every prospect before him of reaching a 
ripe old age. To-day he lies stark and stiff in the 
undertaker's casket, the victim of a miserable cold which, 
at their peril, as we are now so terribly warned, ninety- 



T2 OBITUARY NOTICES. 

nine people out of every hundred treat with comparative 
contempt. Verily, verily, the beautiful burial service of 
the Book of Common Prayer reminds us — 

In the midst of life we are in death. 

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. 

To the family bereaved with such dreadful suddenness 
we tender our sincere and heartfelt sympathy, a .senti- 
ment in which our readers, we feel sure, will unite with 
us. 



Extract from a memorial of John P. Jackson 
(who died December 10, 1861), father of John P. 
Jackson, Jr. 

Mr. Jackson was born at Aquackanock, in the year 
1805, and graduated at Princeton College at an early age, 
taking the highest honor. He immediately entered upon 
the study of the law, pursuing his studies at the old Litch- 
field Law School. In the spring of 1827 he was admitted 
to practice at the Bar. Shortly after, he became con- 
nected with the New Jersey Railroad. Few men in the 
State have filled larger spheres of usefulness than Mr. 
Jackson. His father was the late Peter Jackson, who 
was 'known in former times, both in New York and 
New Jersey, as a successful merchant. The Jackson 
family are of Scotch-Irish descent. Its first emigrant to 
this country was James Jackson, who, in the year 1746 
settled on the banks of the Hudson. 

The maternal ancestors of Mr. Jackson were Dutch, 
and the names of BrinckerhofE, Schuyler and Van-Der- 
Linde, borne by the highly respectable and pious Hol- 
landers who emigrated hither in the last century, are 
found in his direct lineage, within the third degree 
upward. 



Extract from a memorial of Mrs. Elizabeth 
WoLCOTT Jackson (who died October 15, 1875), 
mother of John P. Jackson, Jr. 

Mrs. Jacksok was a native of Litchfield, Conn., a vil- 
lage long since distinguished for its social, educational 
and religious advantages. The great-grandfather of Mrs. 
Jackson, Major-General Eoger Wolcott, was the first 
Governor of Connecticut. Her grandfather was Oliver 
Wolcott, Sr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 
Her uncle, Oliver Wolcott, Jr., was Secretary of the 
Treasury under General Washington. Her father was 
Frederick Wolcott,who occupied judicial positions for 
forty years in his native State. Her mother was a Hun- 
tington, and intimately connected with a long line of 
distinguished citizens. 



ERRATUM. 

Page 4?, eighth Line, sliould ivad Srorfari/ and Member of 
the Exeentive Committee of tlie Essex County Bible Society, 
instead of President. 



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